Racism, economic development among big Ward 2 concerns

Monday

Racism has plagued the capital city for more than a century, but it remains the “elephant in the room,” Rich Bowen told a crowd of more than 70 people gathered in Springfield’s Ward 2 Monday night.

“We didn’t talk about it, we were in denial, and we’re still not talking about it,” Bowen said after the meeting. “… If we can get that fixed, you’d be surprised how good this community can be.”

Racism, youth issues, economic development, transportation and housing were among the recurring topics at the city’s first ward forum under Mayor Jim Langfelder, held at Southeast High School.

Ward meetings were one of Langfelder’s campaign pledges, and they’ll take place in each of the city’s 10 wards over the next few weeks.

In the city’s transition from a commission form of government to the current aldermanic form that splits the city into wards, Langfelder said he sees one of the drawbacks as each ward vying for itself, taking away from a more collective effort to advance the city.

Langfelder’s plan moving forward is to work with aldermen to prioritize some of the ideas in each ward, and use those to create a citywide plan, he said.

“This is going to be a work in progress,” Langfelder told the gathering. “It’s never been done before.”

Janet Kirby of Benedictine University acted as the forum facilitator.

Residents at Monday’s meeting called for a better working relationship between city government and the local churches, improved and standardized waste management, storm sewer system improvements and better public transportation.

Some more specific ideas were thrown out, including a speed-limit reduction in the area between Stevenson Drive and South Grand Avenue, trash receptacles on South Grand Avenue and concerns about property values decreasing due to rail traffic consolidation to the 10th Street corridor.

Patricia Crawford, a Ward 2 resident, wants to know what the city plans to do with all the vacant lots scattered throughout the area.

“You can’t go a block without seeing a vacant lot,” she said.

Ward 2 Ald. Herman Senor brought up two shootings in the city on Sunday and Monday, the second of which was fatal. He advocated for “collectively” finding a solution to ending the violence.

Ward 2 resident Harrison Beler advocated for a community center where local youth can gather.

Affordable housing, geographic location and a strong medical community were among the things people in the crowd are most happy with in Springfield, they said.

“We’re going to change the culture of city government as you know it,” Langfelder told them. “We’re going to change our community for the better, and it starts right here with each and every one of you.”

Information

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
The State Journal-Register ~ Street address: One Copley Plaza (corner of Ninth Street and Capitol Avenue), Springfield, ILMailing address: The State Journal-Register, P.O. Box 219, Springfield, IL 62705-0219 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service